Page 79 of Hexmate

“So,” Wild said, his voice dropping lower, “have you heard anything about Rowan?”

My grip tightened on the broom. “No. Not since they took him to the Arcane Correctional Facility.”

“Good. Let him rot there.”

I nodded but couldn’t help the chill that ran down my spine at the mention of Rowan’s name. Even locked away, the memory of him haunted me. In the end, he’d turned against my father who’d betrayed him. He was the only reason the Elder Council hadn’t tried me for murder. Still, I couldn’t forget the things he’d done to me and all the damage he’d wrought.

“He can’t hurt anyone anymore,” I said, more to convince myself than Wild. “Maybe one day he’ll atone for what he did.”

Wild placed a hand on my shoulder. “Sorry I brought him up. Let’s focus on your hot wolf boyfriend instead.”

On the mat, Atlas had his opponent nearly pinned, muscles straining as the bear shifter fought against his hold. The crowd was going wild, but all I could focus on was the way Atlas’s back flexed, the damp spots of sweat darkening his singlet.

The whistle blew. Atlas had won.

“And that’s another victory for Widdershins!” the announcer’s voice boomed. “Atlas Faolan remains undefeated this season!”

Atlas stood, accepting the handshake from his opponent with the grace of a born leader. His eyes found mine in the crowd, and even from this distance, I could see the golden flecks in his irises brightening.

As Atlas stepped off the mat, Coach Harding clapped him on the back. The rest of the team crowded around him, but his eyes never left mine. Through our bond, I felt his satisfaction, his pride—and beneath it all, a burning desire that made my skin flush.

“Earth to witch boy,” Wild said, snapping his fingers in front of my face. “You’re practically drooling.”

“Can you blame me?” I murmured, watching as Atlas finally broke eye contact to listen to something Coach was saying.

“No, but I can judge you for it.” Wild grinned. “So, locker room plans?”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to anyone with eyes. Or ears. Or who’s been within fifty feet of you two in the past month.” He nudged me playfully. “Just try not to break any school property this time. The janitor’s still finding splinters from that bench.”

“That wasn’t my fault,” I protested. “Atlas got a little... enthusiastic.”

Wild rolled his eyes. “Save the details for when you get back to our room. I want to hear them all.” He leaned closer, nudging me again. “And whatever you do, don’t tell anyone you made him your familiar.”

My eyes went wide as I turned to Wild. I’d never told him that. “I… I don’t know what you?—”

“Your secret’s safe with me,” he grinned. “Nobody else knows. I don’t want my best friend getting expelled.”

“H-How…?”

“I’m Fae, remember? I can sense more magic than you’ll ever understand.” He patted me on the shoulder. “Go have fun with your wolf boyfriend. See you back at the room.”

I blushed and looked away. “Uh… not sure I’ll be back tonight.”

“Tomorrow then,” he winked. “Just make sure you can still walk. I’m not carrying you to class.” He gave me a wave. “See ya later.”

The match was winding down now, with Widdershins declared the victors. I waved to Wild, watching him go for a moment before I turned my attention back to Atlas.

The crowd began to disperse as the final scores were tallied, but I stayed put, pretending to sweep the same spot near the bleachers. Atlas was surrounded by teammates slapping his back and ruffling his hair, but his eyes kept finding mine across the gymnasium. The bond between us pulsed with anticipation, making my skin feel too tight for my body.

Coach Harding gathered the team for a final huddle. “Outstanding work today, gentlemen! Especially you, Faolan. That takedown in the second round was textbook.” He clapped Atlas on the shoulder. “Hit the showers and get some rest. Monday, we start training for regionals.”

The team broke apart with whoops and hollers. Atlas lingered behind, pretending to adjust his headgear while the others filed toward the locker room. Through our bond, I felt his impatience, his desire, and something darker that made my breath catch.

I waited until Coach Harding disappeared into his office before I abandoned my prop broom against the wall and made my way toward the locker room, heart pounding. The hallway was empty, the sounds of celebration fading as the team dispersed to weekend activities. We were only a couple of weeks away from winter break, and thanks to all the curses, they had a lot of activities to catch up on. But that only meant Atlas and I would have the place to ourselves faster, which was fine with me.

I pushed open the locker room door, greeted by steam and the echoing sounds of showers running. Most of the team had already rushed through their post-match routines, eager to celebrate their victory elsewhere. Only a few stragglers remained, gathering their things.

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